5 Unique F-35A Photos from 2013

More than 30 U.S. Air Force F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft are flying, creating plenty of opportunities for unique photos. Here are five of our favorites from 2013 so far:

1) Rare Pair – An F-35A lands at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., with a B-2 bomber flying overhead on March 6. The F-35 was the first of four F-35 conventional takeoff and landing aircraft delivered to Nellis for U.S. Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation. (Lockheed Martin photo by Molly Hauxwell)

2) Alpha Jet – The alpha variant of the F-35 performs high alpha testing with external weapons on April 5. High alpha refers to the maximum angle of attack (AOA) an aircraft can fly. For the F-35A, the max AOA is 50 degrees. (Lockheed Martin photo by Darin Russell)

3) Four for Fuel – Four F-35A U.S. Air Force instructor pilots fly an aerial refueling mission with a KC-135 over the Emerald Coast near Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., on May 14. The mission was one of 14 that week to qualify 11 pilots in aerial refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen)

4) Live Launch – An F-35A test aircraft completed the first in-flight missile launch of an instrumented AIM-120 over the Point Mugu Sea Test Range on June 5. The mission originated from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., home of the 461st Flight Test Squadron responsible for System Development and Demonstration testing of the F-35A. (Lockheed Martin photo by Matt Short)

5) Cut to the Chase – A Royal Danish Air Force F-16 dedicated to the U.S. Air Force 461st Flight Test Squadron comes in for landing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., following an F-35A weapon release test mission on July 24. As a partner in the F-35 program, Denmark contributes to F-35A flight test with the RDAF F-16 and personnel stationed at Edwards. (Lockheed Martin photo by Paul Weatherman)

September 16, 2013

PhotosWant to see more photos of the Lightning II's conventional takeoff and landing variant? Check out the F-35A photo set on Flickr.